The 40th-anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe 2019 closed on a high note, with its largest, most internationally represented show held to date.

A total of 693 exhibitors took part in the Sept. 24-27 show at Brussels Expo in Belgium.

Spread over nine halls and covering almost 40,000 square meters of floor space, up from 37,600 square meters in 2017, the show presented the largest offering of label and package printing technologies and live demonstrations seen to date.

This included the fast-growing areas of hybrid printing, flexible packaging and automation. Poor weather didn’t deter 37,903 visitors from 140 countries flocking to the four-day show.

India, China and Japan were especially well represented with large visitor delegations. Eastern Europe also showed a stronger representation compared to 2017, in particular, Croatia, with a 51% increase, Lithuania (36%), Romania (25%), and Russia (14%). Brazil also saw a 14% increase in visitors compared to 2017.

Major press manufacturers announced multiple sales on a daily basis, including: HP’s200th HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, sold to a Slovenian converter; Domino’s 7-color N610i inkjet press sold to a Belgian converter on day one; Lombardi’s sale of five Synchroline 430 presses during the first two days of the show; Gallus’ sale of three presses into India; Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 230 toner label press, sold on day one and which also debuted at the show; Grafisk Maskinfabrik’s DC350 digital converting line and a SR350 inspection slitter rewinder sold to a UK converter; Grafotronic’s laser die-cutting system sold to an American label converter after launching the machine at the show; and Screen’s first Trupress sold into Germany.

Indian machine manufacturers did particularly well, with UV Graphic Technologies selling seven Ultraflex UFO presses, Multitec selling its full servo S1 press to a Russian converter, and Monotech Systems selling three Colornovo presses, one each in China, Europe and Asia.

Chinese manufacturers also fared well, with sales highlights including label press manufacturer Wanjie’s sale of a printer to a converter in Spain. Rhyguan sold three finishing systems on day one – one to an Italian converter and two to companies in Germany.

Demonstrating that the show has evolved from a labels show into a wider package printing show, flexible packaging innovations were much in evidence on the show floor, with press launches including OMET’s new X7 flexo printing machine for labels and flexible packaging with 670mm (26”) web width. Lombardi unveiled its Invicta i2 line, designed for flexible packaging in the mid web sector, while Nilpeter launched its 17” wide FA-Line press featuring cold foil, lamination and their new high-speed semi-rotary die-cutting unit.

Hybrid machinery was another key trend much in evidence, with launches including BOBST, who unveiled its new Master DM5 hybrid label press, and MPS, who launched a new 17”/430mm edition of the hybrid EF Symjet press. Mark Andy unveiled a new entry- to mid-level digital hybrid press, which was demonstrated live at the show with advanced in-line converting.

Other machinery launches included Gallus’ Digital Printbar digital embellishing unit designed specifically for opaque white and using inkjet-based digital print technology. Konica Minolta premiered its recently launched AccurioLabel 230, a new version of its digital toner press, while Grafotronic showcased seven new models out of a total eleven machines presented at the show.

“We are delighted that our 40th-anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe has been our largest, most international to date, especially as it is now rapidly moving forward into a show that encompasses not just labels but also package printing," said Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series. "This was clear from the incredible array of flexible packaging innovations and hybrid machinery on the show floor, giving label converters ever more options to diversify their businesses.

“The feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors alike has consistently highlighted the superior quality of the leads, inquiries and contacts made at the show, with an incredible number of deals sealed on the exhibition floor and 83% of space already booked onsite for Labelexpo Europe 2021. This demonstrates that the global label and package printing industry remains as vibrant as ever and that this show – 40 years on – is still a vital platform at the forefront of the entire supply chain.”

The show’s hugely popular main feature, the Flexible Packaging Arena, drew in large crowds at every one of its eleven live demonstrations. Visitors witnessed a XeikonCX500 (digital) and a BOBST M6 (UV Flexo) producing indirect food contact flexible packaging to the latest GMP standards. In addition, HP Indigo offered live demonstrations of digital pouch making showcasing the HP Indigo 20000 digital press, Pack Ready Lamination, and the Karlville pouch-making machine making its show debut on their stand. Other HP innovations at the show included HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press, which ran in line with the ABG Fast Track die, and the best-selling HP Indigo 6900 Digital Press, which visitors could see in action with an integrated Kurz DM-Jetliner finishing module.

At the neighboring Sustainability Insight Café, sponsored by Avery Dennison, Xeikon, Ravenwood Packaging, and Sihl ARTYSIO Packaging, visitors were able to see how they might boost their green credentials with a gallery of the latest sustainable innovations.

Reflecting increasing interest from Asia, and with just two months until Labelexpo Asia 2019, Labelexpo Europe 2019 also hosted its very first China Day on day one. This saw representatives from more than 100 label printers and converters from China visiting the exhibition, including the vice president of trade association PEIAC, key show partner to Labelexpo Asia 2019.

The educational program – the show’s most extensive to date – drew in attendees eager to boost their industry knowledge. Three expert-led Label Academy hosted master classes covered the hot topics of Inks, Coatings and Varnishes; Digital Label and Package Printing; and Flexible Packaging, while a workshop covered Self-Adhesive Label Materials

At the Labelexpo Global Series press conference on day one of the show, Milburn also presented further details about the newest addition to its portfolio, Labelexpo Mexico 2021, along with its new Brand Print global series of events aimed at printers of promotional materials and collateral for brands.

The Label Industry Global Awards 2019 took place on the evening of day one, with winners from Avery Dennison, Esko, GMG and GEW honored at the 1980s themed celebration, which also marked Labelexpo’s 40th anniversary. The event was hosted by performer Tony Hadley.

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